UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley will announce a nationwide boycott of Robin Hood flour, oatmeal, and baking products at a rally to be held on Thursday, April 24 at 11 a.m. outside the main gate entrance to Horizon Milling in Port Colborne, Ontario.

Horizon Milling refines and distributes flour and baking products under the Robin Hood brand name. The call for a boycott of Robin Hood products comes on the first anniversary of the lockout of 61 Horizon workers who are members of UFCW Canada Local 416P. They have been locked out of their jobs since April 24, 2007.

The workers have been trying to reach an agreement with Horizon Milling since their collective agreement expired on November 30, 2006, but Horizon isn't listening. In fact, Horizon hasn't met with the union negotiating committee in more than six months.

The company's last offer to its workers (whose average seniority is 22 years) demanded a reduction in benefits, salary, and pensions; the removal of enhanced severance; and downsizing of the workforce as well as a wage freeze for three years.

The Robin Hood boycott to be announced Thursday, April 24 at 11 a.m. is in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Congress and the Ontario Federation of Labour.

WHAT: Solidarity rally and call for a national boycott of Robin Hood products on the first anniversary of the lockout of UFCW Canada Local 416P members at Horizon Milling.